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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Orientation Week?

A: Orientation Week begins in the three days leading up to your first day of classes at Dal, but the fun doesn't stop there! O-Week programming continues into your first week at Dal and the whole week is full of awesome activities to help you get to know your campus, Halifax, and all the other new students at Dal. It runs from September 2nd to 4th. Our goal is for students to start their first year feeling ready and excited to join the Dal community.

Q: Who plans and runs Orientation Week?

A: Dalhousie's Orientation Week is planned, run, and financed by your Dalhousie Student Union. The DSU's Vice President (Student Life), Cory Larsen, is in charge of Orientation Week. The Orientation Week Coordinator, David Gautreau, works closely beside him. Lastly, the committee, a dedicated team of volunteers, all work hard together, to put together this awesome week for you!

Q: What does registering for Orientation Week get me?

A: Registering for Orientation Week will get you a bracelet that will get you into ALL Orientation Week events. You’ll also get an Orientation Week Pack, which will include lots of Dal swag and other awesome items.

Q: I'm confused about all the options when registering. Which one should I choose?

A: If you check out our registration page on this site, it describes each option and who should choose it. The explanation there is better than any we could write here!

Q: Can I pay for certain events individually?

A: No. If you wish to attend only a certain event, you still must register for O-Week in its entirety. We hope you want to go to more than one event though!

Q: Can I go to the events if I haven't bought an Orientation Week pack?

A: A few events, such as Induction, are open to everyone, but most events require that you have registered for Orientation Week.

Q: When and where can I pick up my Orientation Week pack?

A: This is where it gets a little complicated. Between 10 am and 5 pm on September 2, you can pick up your Orientation Week pack in the following locations:

If you live in Risley or LeMarchant Place, you can pick up your pack in Risley.
If you live in Shirreff, you can pick up your pack in Shirreff.
If you live in Howe or Mini-Res, you pick up your pack in Howe.
If you live in Gerard, you pick up your pack in Gerard.
Finally, if you live off-campus, you can pick up your pack at the Student Union Building.

After 5 pm on September 2, all students must go to the Student Union Building to pick up their Orientation Week pack.

Q: Do I need to print off confirmation and bring it in order to receive my Orientation Week pack?

A: Nope! You don’t need to bring anything in order to receive your Orientation Week pack. We’ll have lists of everyone who has registered, and that’s all we need.

Q: If I'm arriving late, how do I get my registration package?

A: If you are going to be arriving in Halifax or at Dalhousie after 5 pm on move-in day (September 2), you can check in and get your Orientation Week pack at the Student Union Building. Just stop by the Info Desk, and they’ll help you out.

Q: If I'm just ordering my orientation package now, will I receive it in time?

A: You don’t have to worry about your Orientation Week pack being at your house while you’re at Dal, as you pick up the pack once you get here. Regardless of when you register, your pack will be waiting for you when you get here.

Q: Can I register on move-in day?

A: Absolutely! There will be a registration table in the Student Union Building from 10 am to 5 pm on move-in day (September 2) for anyone who hasn’t pre-registered.

Q: What should I enter as my shipping address?

A: You can enter your home address or your residence address. It doesn’t really matter, as nothing is actually being shipped. You’ll pick up your Orientation Week pack once you get to Halifax!

Q: I don't remember if I already registered or not. What do I do?

A: While you could wait until move-in day and wait anxiously to see whether or not your name is on the list of people who registered, you could also send us an email at oweek@dal.ca anytime, and we can double check for you.

Q: I entered my payment information, but there seemed to be internet errors. How do I know if my credit card has been charged?

A: After you’ve registered online, you should get an email confirmation of your purchase. If you do not receive this email, check your junk mail! If it’s not there either, please re-register online. If you have further concerns, contact oweek@dal.ca, and we’ll help you out.

Q: Where can I find a schedule of events?

A: If you check out our events page, the dates and times for all our events will be listed. A complete schedule will be posted shortly before O-Week.

Q: When will all the event information be posted?

A: Event information will be posted as it’s finalized. We’re working as quickly as we can, but there’s a lot to be done- and we don’t want to be giving you any wrong information!

Q: Where is the Student Union Building?

A: The Student Union Building, commonly referred to as the SUB, is right on University Avenue. 6136 University Avenue, to be exact!

Q: If I'm an international student, should I still register?

A: Yes!! If you want to experience the Canadian culture, meet local students, and explore the community, there is no better way than through Orientation Week. The timing has been arranged so that International Orientation does not conflict with our Orientation Week.

Q: If I am a mature student, should I still register?

A: If you are a mature first-year student, we still encourage you to register for Orientation Week. It will give you the chance to get acquainted with campus and to get to know other first-year students.

Q: If I come to Orientation Week, am I going to be hazed?

A: Absolutely not! Dalhousie's Orientation Week is meant to be fun, and to introduce you to your new school and new classmates. The university does not tolerate hazing or any initiation rituals. If you ever don’t want to participate in an activity, all you have to do is say no. If you feel like you are being hazed at any point, please talk to another O-Week leader or a committee member, and we will deal with the situation. We want you to like it here!